Which country was formerly called Ceylon?

Sri Lanka was formerly called Ceylon.

The island’s official name changed from Ceylon to Sri Lanka in 1972, when it became a republic while remaining within the Commonwealth. The name Sri Lanka comes from Sanskrit-derived elements commonly interpreted as “resplendent island.”

Ceylon was used during the period of British colonial rule, which lasted from 1815 until independence in 1948. The name also survives in terms such as Ceylon tea, reflecting the island’s globally important tea industry.

Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean southeast of India and is known for ancient cities, Buddhist heritage, tropical biodiversity, and central highlands. The country’s commercial capital is Colombo, while Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital.